Kurona and Nashiro arrived just as Akira had left.
Moreover, Kurona and Nashiro had just passed by Akira, but they only exchanged glances without paying further attention, as they didn't know each other.
"Byakuya..."
Kurona had just started to call Byakuya's name when she noticed that Arima and the rest of Squad Zero were also here.
"Arima Special Class, Ui Associate Special Class, you're all here..."
Kurona immediately said.
As for the others, like Hairu and Shio, Kurona didn't even know their ranks.
"I hear you're partnered with Aura Special Class now. Work hard and strive for an early promotion to First Class."
Arima looked friendly, unlike his serious demeanor during battle.
"We will work hard."
Kurona and Nashiro nodded simultaneously.
"I recall Aura Special Class gave Kurona and Nashiro quite a good evaluation. The promotion to First Class probably isn't far off."
Ui said with a smile.
For convenience in addressing Kurona and Nashiro, they had been nicknamed "Kuro" and "Shiro" since their Academy days.
However, Byakuya usually just used "Kurona" and "Nashiro." If he switched to "Kuro" and "Shiro," they wouldn't be pleased.
At that moment, seeing Kurona and Nashiro, Suzuya shrank behind Byakuya, not particularly willing to approach them or greet them.
Obviously, he still cared about being falsely accused of torturing cats during their Academy days. He held a bit of a grudge.
Kurona and Nashiro also noticed Suzuya. They felt somewhat awkward.
Because Byakuya had previously mentioned to them what had happened during their Academy days, saying he had personally witnessed who the real cat torturer was—he just couldn't expose them at the time.
Now they were certainly willing to believe what Byakuya said, so they knew they had misunderstood Suzuya.
Byakuya could sense the slightly awkward atmosphere and understood what it concerned, but he didn't say anything. He wanted to let Kurona, Nashiro, and Suzuya resolve it themselves.
"About what happened before—Nashiro and I misunderstood you. Byakuya has already told us that it wasn't you who did it."
"So Kurona and I need to apologize to you. We happened to run into you today."
Kurona and Nashiro broke the awkward atmosphere by taking the initiative to apologize to Suzuya.
Since they had been in the wrong first, there was nothing embarrassing about apologizing.
Suzuya had been holding a small grudge. Hearing Kurona and Nashiro suddenly apologize, he was quite surprised.
His nature was rather simple. Though he lacked certain common sense and moral concepts, he was indeed simple.
The moment Kurona and Nashiro apologized to him, that small grudge instantly vanished.
His brow relaxed, and he smiled at Kurona and Nashiro: "It's fine. I didn't care about that kind of thing."
The matter between the Yasuhisa sisters and Suzuya was resolved just that simply. Byakuya smiled with relief.
After all, Kurona, Nashiro, and Suzuya were all good-natured at their core. There had just been an awkward misunderstanding. Once the misunderstanding was cleared up, things became easy.
Next, Byakuya discussed Squad Zero matters with Arima and the others.
"Given that you'll also be leading subordinates, we'll only call you to join us for missions when you're free or when necessary. The rest of the time, just focus on operating with your subordinate."
Ui explained the upcoming arrangements for Byakuya in Squad Zero.
"Understood."
Byakuya nodded.
"But there are still a few days before you officially partner with Akira Mado, because we need to wait for headquarters to assign you both to a specific ward. Until then, if you don't mind, you could familiarize yourself with your Squad Zero companions. Shio especially has been saying she wants to go out and hang out with you."
Ui suggested.
"Hehe~"
Shio immediately smiled and flashed a peace sign at Byakuya.
"Okay."
Byakuya nodded with a smile.
...
The following evening.
Byakuya had dinner out with Squad Zero members.
Except for Arima, all of Squad Zero had come.
"Chairman Tsuneyoshi Washuu apparently has some business with Arima-san, so he couldn't come today."
Ui explained to Byakuya.
He hoped Byakuya wouldn't misunderstand Arima.
"It's fine. This kind of thing is nothing."
Byakuya could fully understand.
Arima was a CCG Special Class investigator, a V Organization "Cleaner," and simultaneously Aogiri Tree's "One-Eyed King"—at least three identities. It was hard for him not to be busy, so Byakuya was very understanding.
"Mm, then let's order first. It's rare for us to get together like this, so indulging a little is fine."
Ui received the menu from the server and first handed it to Byakuya. "Byakuya, you order first."
"Mm..."
Byakuya randomly selected something. He didn't have anything he particularly wanted to eat. Then he asked Shio beside him: "Shio, what do you like to eat?"
Shio immediately leaned over. "For me, I'll have this."
When it came to Hairu's turn, she said: "Rather than these, I'd prefer after-dinner dessert. But it doesn't seem to be on the menu?"
"It really isn't on the menu. We'd have to buy it ourselves."
Ui thought for a moment. "...This is Ward 20. Byakuya's more familiar with it. How about you take her to get some dessert?"
"Alright."
Byakuya nodded slightly.
As they walked out of the restaurant, Hairu smiled at Byakuya: "Then I'll be in your care, Amaha-senpai~"
"Senpai?..."
Byakuya was somewhat surprised that Hairu would use this form of address.
"You're older than me, right? And your rank is higher than mine too. Calling you senpai shouldn't be a problem, should it?"
Hairu explained.
Looking at it that way, she was probably also a First Class investigator currently, same as Shio.
"Alright..."
Byakuya could only respond.
Put that way, there really was no problem.
Afterward, Byakuya led Hairu toward nearby shops that sold desserts.
But when they were halfway there, they suddenly spotted someone ahead with somewhat strange attire and behavior.
Before Byakuya could say anything to Hairu, she directly chased after them.
That strange person also noticed and immediately fled.
But Hairu seemed to have locked onto her target, refusing to let up.
Byakuya had no choice but to follow as well. He couldn't just leave Hairu and go back alone.
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"